Herpesvirus-related sequences in salivary gland tumors

Eight pleomorphic adenomas and eight adenolymphomas (Warthin's tumors) of the salivary gland were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for herpes-virus-related DNA sequences. A pan-herpes primer set, reactive with sequences within the UL 83 gene of cytomegalovirus (CMV), was used to test for herpesvirus sequences in 16 human salivary gland tumors. PCR products yielded positive signals against pan-herpes probes for four adenolymphomas and four pleomorphic adenomas. It is unlikely that the positive PCR responses were due to conventional CMV since only one sample reacted with a CMV-specific primer set directed against sequences within the immediate-early gene of CMV. Moreover, five samples gave a response with a primer set reactive with human herpesvirus-6. Results are most consistent with the presence of cytomegalovirus-related ''stealth viruses'' in the salivary tumors.